Pranab Saikia, Pranabtoi@gmail.com
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, it's time to rethink the challenge of women’s safety. ‘Times Hi Society’ talked to several ladies from the Corporate world on their reaction how to ensure women’s safety and security. All of them are well- trained in martial arts for self-defence from Sumit K Virman- founder of Kaishogun Martial Arts Sports Academy, who is a renowned Martial Arts trainer from the last two decades and Arvind Sagar Kickboxing teacher.
“Corporates should introduce special training sessions on self-defence to new joiners and provide them with kits making them aware of the hostile situations that may come up. The government should give more CSR fund to NGOs who trains ladies on self-defence. The responsibility for the safety of women is also in their own hands. Joining a self-defence class, exercising regularly, and keeping themselves motivated will help them to tackle any situations effectively. It will be well if all institutions across the nation adopt an education system that makes girls emotionally and physically confident to stand up for themselves and teach them martial art for self-defence as a part of their curriculum of education,” said Sanaa Kumar.
“Today, as crime rates rise, ladies must know how they can stay safe by using self-defence techniques. A lady has to come out from her home for different purposes. It may be to go work place, going to an unfamiliar place, waiting in a lonely place for bus and cabs, walking in dark and shady areas. But if they are trained through martial arts for self-defence nobody can harm them in any situation. In this situation I feel strong and confident as I am trained in martial arts of self-defence,” said Archana Kumar.
“On this occasion my appeal to all the ladies to be more confident while protecting yourself. You must have mental confidence and physical strength. Do not think about yourself as poor and weak. Be confident and strong. Just train yourself in martial-arts of self-defence,” said Nivedita Sarkar.
“We find lots of advice that women should carry a weapon, chilli powder packet etc. with them while travelling alone. It is not a practical way always. But if you learn kickboxing of martial-arts you will be able to combat any assailant with ease. I think the Government should make martial art training for women compulsory. Rules should be made that if young girls are not trained in martial arts they will not be eligible for Central Government, State Government and Private Corporate jobs. It will compel more and more ladies to train themselves in martial-arts and they will not it ignore it." said Sunanda.
“It is very crucial to remember that when women should be confident and they can make society strong. Self-defence training through martial arts should be part of the school education system of the country. It should be incorporated in classes on self-defence. Parents should tell girls that martial art is their lifelong jewelry. Even housewife should also invest energy in learning about self-defence through martial arts,” said Sumit Virman.
